Quantum Computing

QUANTUM COMPUTING

Quantum computers are machines that use the properties of quantum physics to store data and perform computations.

Instead of using electron as unit, quantum uses different positions of electron as unit, which makes the quantum computing fast and secure.

A classical computer performs operations using classical bits, which can be either 0 or 1

Quantum computer uses quantum bits or Qubits, which can be both 0 and 1 at the same time.

• ‘Qubits’ are the units of computation in quantum computers (or quantum bits). They take advantage of quantum mechanics’ characteristics, which regulate how matter behaves at the atomic level.

• The laws of quantum physics are used to achieve functioning of quantum computing.

• Superimposition: Each quantum bit (basic unit of information in a quantum computer) can represent both 1 and 0 at the same time, which is known as superposition.

• Quantum entanglement: Subatomic particles become “entangled” (connected) in quantum entanglement, which means that any change in one upsets the other, even though they are at opposite ends of the universe.

• Superfluid: Approximately one hundredth of a degree above absolute zero is the required temperature for quantum processors. To do this, we synthesize superconductors using super-cooled superfluid

NATIONAL QUANTUM MISSION (NQM)

• The National Quantum Mission (NQM), a major initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to propel the nation to the forefront of quantum technology research and development.

• Project cost and Timing: Rs.6003.65 crore for a duration of eight years from 2023–24 to 2030–31.

• Objectives: To enhance India’s capability in following domains-

• Quantum Computing

• Satellite-Based Quantum Communication

• Inter-City Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)

• Multi-Node Quantum Networks

• Advanced Quantum Sensing & Clocks

• Quantum Materials & Devices

• Four hubs will be established under this mission in IISc. Bengaluru, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi.

• Major advantages: Faster, Accurate, & Energy efficient.

• SYCAMORE: it is Google’s Quantum Computer, which recently claimed Quantum Supremacy.

• Quantum Supremacy: refers to quantum computers being able to solve a problem that a classical computer cannot.

Other advantages of Quantum Computing

• Sequential problem solving can be accomplished more effectively with quantum computers. When the new technology becomes available, the ability they provide to businesses and even consumers to make better decisions may be the deciding factor in getting corporations to invest in it.

• Quantum computers will allow for faster analysis and integration of gigantic data sets which will improve and transform our machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities.

• Because a qubit is the traditional superposition state in quantum computing, handling a large number of calculations results in an exponential speedup.

Limitations of Quantum Computing

• Inefficiency in solving practical problems : Quantum computing face challenges to solve the most practical problems like finding the shape of an undiscovered drug,autonomously exploring space etc. Hence, they are not used more often.

• Engineering Limitations : Practical and Reliable Quantum Computers require at least 1,000 qubits. Presently, the biggest quantum processor has 433 qubits. It means presently, there is a limit on engineering.

• Expensive refrigerator: Due to their sensitive nature, quantum computers today are highly unstable and must be held in costly refrigerators that is cooled to near- absolute zero temperatures.

• Amplification of errors : Researchers are yet to build Quantum Computers that don’t amplify error when more qubits are added.

Applications of Quantum Computing

• Cybersecurity: The World Economic Forum has highlighted that “quantum computing could make today’s cybersecurity obsolete.” This is because the technology underlying modern cryptography uses combinatorics.

• Chemical engineering: Developing new useful molecules requires combinatorics because there are many possible combinations of atoms, and many possible ways that they can bond.

• Advanced manufacturing: Artificial Intelligence helps in making manufacturing more efficient by identifying the cause of rare failures in their manufacturing processes.

• Healthcare: DNA gene sequencing, such as radiotherapy

treatment optimization/brain tumour detection, could be performed in seconds instead of hours or weeks.

Need for Quantum Computing

• Quantum computing can improve research and development, supply-chain optimization, and production.

• Quantum computing will enable businesses to better optimize investment strategies, improve encryption, discover products, and much more.

• Tremendous levels of investment, private-sector competition, and mathematical and scientific talent are currently being devoted to quantum research.

Government Initiatives

• Following are some of the government initiatives regarding Quantum computing:

• National Mission to study quantum technologies: The Government of India launched a National Mission to study quantum technologies with an allocation of Rupees 8,000 crore.

• Quantum research facility: The army opened a quantum research facility in Madhya Pradesh and the Department of Science and Technology co- launched another facility in Pune.

• QuEST:The Department of Science and Technology launched the Quantum-Enabled Science and Technology (QuEST) initiative to invest rupees 80 crores for laying out infrastructure and for facilitating research in Quantum Computing field.

• Quantum Computer Simulator (QSim) Toolkit: It offers academics, businesses, professionals, students, and the scientific community in India the first quantum development environment.

Conclusion

Even though quantum computing holds the potential to completely transform how problems can be solved in the real world, there are still a lot of hindrance in engineering aspects that is yet to be to be solved, so businesses are not sure when they will be able to implement it in the workplace